Chapter 17: Two Heartbeats, One Destiny

The battlefield was left in chaos, with blood-soaked earth and the scent of death thick in the air. The wounded groaned, some struggling to move while others lay lifeless. Despite their victory, the cost had been great—none more apparent than the sight of Melinoe lying unconscious, blood pooling beneath her limp form.

"Melinoe!" Nyxpanther's voice was raw with panic as he fell to his knees beside her. His trembling hands pressed against her wound, trying to stem the bleeding. Havvaris knelt beside him, his jaw clenched, his usual stoic demeanor shattered by the sight of her pale face.

The healer knights of both factions rushed to their side, their hands glowing faintly as they worked their magic. "We've stopped the bleeding," one of them reported, sweat dripping from his brow. "But our powers are not strong enough to fully heal her. She needs stronger healing—immediately."

"Damn it!" Nyxpanther growled, his golden blue eyes flashing with fury and desperation. "We need to get her to Glacivarn—now!"

Havvaris nodded sharply and turned to his right-hand man, a towering wolf beastman named Garrik. "You and Nyx's second-in-command handle things here. Take care of the remaining enemies and ensure the illegal slave operation is dismantled."

Garrik bowed. "Understood, my Lord."

Without wasting another second, Nyxpanther and Havvaris transformed into their beast forms. The massive black leopard and white wolf stood over Melinoe, their imposing figures emanating power and urgency. With careful precision, Nyxpanther gently lifted Melinoe onto Havvaris's back, ensuring her safety before they both took off into the night, their powerful limbs carrying them at incredible speed toward the northern dukedom.

The journey was a blur, their only focus being the fragile woman lying between them. When they finally reached the towering walls of Havvaris's dukedom, the guards immediately opened the gates, recognizing their lord's urgent arrival. Servants and knights scrambled at the sudden commotion.

"Prepare my chambers immediately!" Havvaris commanded as he transformed back into his human form, carefully lifting Melinoe in his arms. "Summon the High Priest at once!"

His people hurried to obey, clearing a path as he carried her inside. Nyxpanther followed closely, his golden eyes flickering between concern and impatience. The air was thick with tension as they laid Melinoe on the grand bed within Havvaris's personal chambers.

Minutes later, the High Priest arrived, an elderly beastman with long silver hair and piercing blue eyes. He approached swiftly, his robes billowing around him. The moment his gaze fell on Melinoe, his entire being froze.

"A human…" he whispered in awe, his voice barely above a breath. His hands trembled before he composed himself. "I will do everything in my power."

He knelt beside Melinoe, placing his glowing hands over her wound. A soft golden light enveloped her, seeping into her flesh, and knitting the torn muscles together. The process was slow and precise as if the High Priest was being extra careful. But then—his breath hitched, and his eyes widened in utter disbelief.

For a long moment, he simply stared at Melinoe, as though he couldn't comprehend what he was seeing.

Nyxpanther, unable to bear the silence, growled, "What is it? Why did you stop?"

The High Priest snapped out of his stupor, quickly regaining his composure. "Forgive me, my Lords. I was merely… surprised. The healing process is proceeding well, but I must ensure she is completely stable before I say more."

The seconds stretched into eternity for the two men. Every flicker of the golden light, every shift in Melinoe's expression, had them on edge. The moment the glow finally faded, the High Priest let out a deep exhale, his face breaking into a wide smile.

"She is fully healed," he announced, turning to the two alphas. "Her body needs rest, but she will wake soon."

Both men felt a wave of relief crash over them, their bodies sagging slightly. However, before they could properly breathe, the High Priest's next words sent them into stunned silence.

"I must also congratulate you, my Lords… for the lady is with child."

A deafening silence filled the room. The words echoed in their ears, their meaning sinking in like a boulder crashing into a lake.

Nyxpanther stiffened, his hands clenching at his sides. "What… did you say?"

The High Priest chuckled, eyes twinkling with amusement. "You heard me correctly. The Lady Melinoe carries life within her—two lives, to be precise. She is pregnant."

Havvaris's sharp intake of breath was the only sound that followed. Nyxpanther, usually composed even in the face of war, felt his mind spiral into chaos.

"But… we only did it once," he murmured, his golden blue eyes filled with disbelief. "We haven't even properly marked each other yet…"

The High Priest gave him a knowing smile. "And yet, the blessing has come to pass. It is a miracle in itself, considering the fertility rate of our world. Whoever the father may be, this is a gift beyond compare."

Nyxpanther staggered slightly, his entire being overwhelmed. His gaze shifted to Melinoe's peaceful face, the weight of the revelation pressing down on him. His mate—his woman—was carrying his child.

Two children.

Havvaris remained silent, his expression unreadable as he took in the news. His sharp blue eyes flickered between Melinoe and Nyxpanther, something unreadable glinting beneath their depths.

The High Priest's words echoed once more, filling the space between them.

A blessing for the Empires.

But for Nyxpanther and Havvaris, it was something far more profound.

It was the beginning of something they never expected.